For children who are not yet in school there are two main types of child care in Massachusetts. Providers in both models must be licensed and are required to follow a state curriculum.

Child Care Centers

Centers typically group children by age, with different age-appropriate activities planned for each group. A center typically has at least 10 children and may have more than 100.

Staffing and grouping regulations

Infants (0-15 months): There can be no more than seven infants in a group. One adult is required for up to three infants, and a second adult is required if there are three to seven infants.

Toddlers (15-33 months): Groups can be no larger than nine. One adult is required for up to four toddlers, and a second is required for the next five.

Preschoolers (34 months to 5 years): Groups can be no larger than 20, with one adult for every 10 preschoolers.

License requirements: Lead teacher must have nine college credits in early childhood education and nine months of work experience. Other teachers must have three credits and nine months of experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of credits.

Family Child Care

Family child care is based in a licensed provider’s home. A single provider license allows for up to six children, while a large family license allows for up to 10.

Single provider: Of the maximum of six children present, up to two can be infants, one can be 15-24 months and the rest must be older than 24 months.

License requirements: Annual CPR training, first aid training every three years, 15 hours of child care training every three years, CORI check.

Large family child care: Of the maximum of 10 children present, three can be infants, two can be 15-24 months and the rest must be older than 24 months. An approved assistant may have up to six children at a time.